World Energy Center & Gobi Desert
10 Days / 11 Nights
Tour Code: CLT07
Tour Scope: Southern Mongolia
Tour Route: Sainshand-White Stupa- Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs -Khongor-Yol Valley-Earth Stone-UB
Highlights: Khamriin Khiid monastery, Tsagaan Suvarga, Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs), Khongor Sand Dunes, Yol Valley, Earth Stone
Tour Season: 01 June- 15 September
Tour Level: Moderate
Day 1. Beijing-Ulaanbaatar train
Day 2. Sainshand/ Khamriin Khiid Monastery
Day 3. Mandakh soum
Day 4. White Stupa
Day 5. Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs)
Day 6. Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes
Day 7. Yolyn Am (Eagle Valley)
Day 8. Baga Gazriin Chuluu (Earth Stone)
Day 9. Ulaanbaatar
Day 10. Departure
Accommodations: 2 nights in hotel and 8 nights in ger camps Meals: Inclusive meals are indicated in itinerary (B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Meals: Inclusive meals are indicated in itinerary (B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Transport: 4WD Japanese Minivan or 4WD Japanese Jeep
Optional activities: Camel riding, Horse riding
Staffs: Visit Mongolia Team (Tour guide and driver)
Day 2. Sainshand/ Khamriin Khiid Monastery
Day 3. Mandakh soum
Day 4. White Stupa
Day 5. Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs)
Day 6. Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes
Day 7. Yolyn Am (Eagle Valley)
Day 8. Baga Gazriin Chuluu (Earth Stone)
Day 9. Ulaanbaatar
Day 10. Departure
Accommodations: 2 nights in hotel and 8 nights in ger camps Meals: Inclusive meals are indicated in itinerary (B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Meals: Inclusive meals are indicated in itinerary (B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Transport: 4WD Japanese Minivan or 4WD Japanese Jeep
Optional activities: Camel riding, Horse riding
Staffs: Visit Mongolia Team (Tour guide and driver)
DAY 1
DEPARTURE FROM BEIJING
Board the train bound for Sainshand from Beijing. Meals aboard the train are not included.
DAY 2
SAINSHAND - KHAMRIIN KHIID MONASTERY
Approximate distance: 40 km, Estimated travel time: 1-2 hours
Arrive in Sainshand, the provincial center of Dornogobi, by train from Beijing. Our Visit Mongolia team will meet you at the Sainshand railway station and transfer you to the tourist camp. After settling in, we'll visit Khamriin Khiid Monastery, founded in the 1820s by Danzanravjaa, a renowned Mongolian educator and literary figure of the 19th century. The monastery, a key site of the Buddhist Red Sect, was the seat of the Terrible Noble Saint of the Gobi. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 3
MANDAKH SOUM
Approximate distance: 220 km, Estimated travel time: 5-6 hours
Journey to Mandakh Soum, a local administrative unit in Dornogobi province. Overnight in tents. (B, L, D)
DAY 4
WHITE STUPA (TSAGAAN SUVARGA)
Approximate distance: 190 km, Estimated travel time: 5-6 hours
Travel to Tsagaan Suvarga, known as the White Stupa, located in Ulziit Soum. This unique cliff formation, facing east, resembles the ruins of an ancient city from a distance, standing 30 meters tall and 100 meters wide, shaped over millennia by wind erosion. Overnight in tents. (B, L, D)
DAY 5
BAYANZAG (FLAMING CLIFFS)
Approximate distance: 200 km, Estimated travel time: 5-6 hours
Explore Bayanzag, famously known as the Flaming Cliffs, where American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews discovered dinosaur fossils and eggs in the 1920s. These striking red cliffs, formed 60-70 million years ago, offer a glimpse into Mongolia's prehistoric past. We'll trek through the surrounding area and stay overnight with a nomadic family in a ger. (B, L, D)
DAY 6
KHONGORYN ELS SAND DUNES
Approximate distance: 180 km, Estimated travel time: 4-5 hours
Drive to Khongor Sand Dunes, also known as the Singing Dunes, rising up to 300 meters high, 15 kilometers wide, and stretching 180 kilometers long. Enjoy a camel riding expedition through these golden sands and visit a nomadic family to witness their daily life, including the traditional practice of camel milking and tasting Khoormog, fermented camel's milk. Overnight in a nomadic family ger. (B, L, D)
DAY 7
YOLYN AM (EAGLE VALLEY) - GOBI GURVAN SAIKHAN NATIONAL PARK
Approximate distance: 200 km, Estimated travel time: 5-6 hours
Travel to Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park and explore Yolyn Am, or Eagle Valley, renowned for its lush green meadows and rare ice formations nestled within the arid Gobi desert. Keep an eye out for wildlife like the Argali wild sheep and ibex. Visit the Gobi museum and trek through the valley. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 8
EARTH STONE (BAGA GAZRIIN CHULUU)
Approximate distance: 400 km, Estimated travel time: 6-7 hours
Journey to Middle Gobi and explore Baga Gazriin Chuluu, known as Earth Stone, a sacred rocky mountain rising 1,760 meters above sea level. This area is celebrated for its unique rock formations and stunning natural scenery. Overnight in a nomadic family ger. (B, L, D)
DAY 9
ULAANBAATAR
Approximate distance: 250 km, Estimated travel time: 5-6 hours
Return to Ulaanbaatar and visit the National Museum of Mongolia and Zaisan Memorial Hill for a panoramic view of the city. Optional shopping for souvenirs and cashmere. Enjoy a "Farewell" dinner and overnight stay in a hotel. (B, L, D)
DAY 10
DEPARTURE
Transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your departure. (B)
DEPARTURE FROM BEIJING
Board the train bound for Sainshand from Beijing. Meals aboard the train are not included.
DAY 2
SAINSHAND - KHAMRIIN KHIID MONASTERY
Approximate distance: 40 km, Estimated travel time: 1-2 hours
Arrive in Sainshand, the provincial center of Dornogobi, by train from Beijing. Our Visit Mongolia team will meet you at the Sainshand railway station and transfer you to the tourist camp. After settling in, we'll visit Khamriin Khiid Monastery, founded in the 1820s by Danzanravjaa, a renowned Mongolian educator and literary figure of the 19th century. The monastery, a key site of the Buddhist Red Sect, was the seat of the Terrible Noble Saint of the Gobi. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 3
MANDAKH SOUM
Approximate distance: 220 km, Estimated travel time: 5-6 hours
Journey to Mandakh Soum, a local administrative unit in Dornogobi province. Overnight in tents. (B, L, D)
DAY 4
WHITE STUPA (TSAGAAN SUVARGA)
Approximate distance: 190 km, Estimated travel time: 5-6 hours
Travel to Tsagaan Suvarga, known as the White Stupa, located in Ulziit Soum. This unique cliff formation, facing east, resembles the ruins of an ancient city from a distance, standing 30 meters tall and 100 meters wide, shaped over millennia by wind erosion. Overnight in tents. (B, L, D)
DAY 5
BAYANZAG (FLAMING CLIFFS)
Approximate distance: 200 km, Estimated travel time: 5-6 hours
Explore Bayanzag, famously known as the Flaming Cliffs, where American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews discovered dinosaur fossils and eggs in the 1920s. These striking red cliffs, formed 60-70 million years ago, offer a glimpse into Mongolia's prehistoric past. We'll trek through the surrounding area and stay overnight with a nomadic family in a ger. (B, L, D)
DAY 6
KHONGORYN ELS SAND DUNES
Approximate distance: 180 km, Estimated travel time: 4-5 hours
Drive to Khongor Sand Dunes, also known as the Singing Dunes, rising up to 300 meters high, 15 kilometers wide, and stretching 180 kilometers long. Enjoy a camel riding expedition through these golden sands and visit a nomadic family to witness their daily life, including the traditional practice of camel milking and tasting Khoormog, fermented camel's milk. Overnight in a nomadic family ger. (B, L, D)
DAY 7
YOLYN AM (EAGLE VALLEY) - GOBI GURVAN SAIKHAN NATIONAL PARK
Approximate distance: 200 km, Estimated travel time: 5-6 hours
Travel to Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park and explore Yolyn Am, or Eagle Valley, renowned for its lush green meadows and rare ice formations nestled within the arid Gobi desert. Keep an eye out for wildlife like the Argali wild sheep and ibex. Visit the Gobi museum and trek through the valley. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 8
EARTH STONE (BAGA GAZRIIN CHULUU)
Approximate distance: 400 km, Estimated travel time: 6-7 hours
Journey to Middle Gobi and explore Baga Gazriin Chuluu, known as Earth Stone, a sacred rocky mountain rising 1,760 meters above sea level. This area is celebrated for its unique rock formations and stunning natural scenery. Overnight in a nomadic family ger. (B, L, D)
DAY 9
ULAANBAATAR
Approximate distance: 250 km, Estimated travel time: 5-6 hours
Return to Ulaanbaatar and visit the National Museum of Mongolia and Zaisan Memorial Hill for a panoramic view of the city. Optional shopping for souvenirs and cashmere. Enjoy a "Farewell" dinner and overnight stay in a hotel. (B, L, D)
DAY 10
DEPARTURE
Transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your departure. (B)
Visit Mongolia’s policy is to provide top quality service to our customers at reasonable prices. We will be pleased to provide detailed price quotes for those interested in specific tours.
Trip overview
IN ULAANBAATAR:
Hotels in Ulaanbaatar offer a wide range of options, catering from luxurious international chains to budget-friendly guesthouses. Our package cost typically excludes accommodation in Ulaanbaatar (UB), allowing clients the flexibility to choose their preferred stay. We provide hotel rates for Visit Mongolia customers to select from, encouraging group travelers to opt for the same property. You can choose your desired hotel and room type and inform us accordingly. Alternatively, you are welcome to arrange your own booking.
For travelers seeking more authentic and budget-friendly accommodation, staying with a nomadic family is an enriching experience. You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditional nomadic lifestyle, sharing in the customs, daily routines, and warm hospitality of Mongolian herders.
Hotels in Ulaanbaatar offer a wide range of options, catering from luxurious international chains to budget-friendly guesthouses. Our package cost typically excludes accommodation in Ulaanbaatar (UB), allowing clients the flexibility to choose their preferred stay. We provide hotel rates for Visit Mongolia customers to select from, encouraging group travelers to opt for the same property. You can choose your desired hotel and room type and inform us accordingly. Alternatively, you are welcome to arrange your own booking.
- Luxury Hotels: Options include renowned establishments like the Shangri-La Hotel, Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace, and the Blue Sky Hotel & Tower. These hotels feature modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, fitness centers, spas, and international dining.
- Mid-Range Hotels: Reliable choices such as Ramada Ulaanbaatar and Bayangol Hotel offer comfort and convenience.
- Budget Hotels and Guesthouses: For budget-conscious travelers, we recommend hostels and guesthouses like UB Guesthouse and Zaya Hostel, providing clean and affordable accommodations.
- Ger Camps: During countryside exploration, you will stay in tourist ger camps, offering an authentic Mongolian experience. Ger camps vary, with some offering standard and deluxe gers. Standard gers provide access to shared public bathrooms located centrally within the camp, while deluxe gers feature private attached bathrooms. Each ger accommodates two people and includes wood stove heating and two wood-framed beds. Camp restaurants, as well as western-style toilet and shower facilities, are centrally located, ensuring a memorable cultural experience.
- Tented Camping: For adventures to remote areas, we use tented camps. Tents accommodate two or three persons and include a sleeping mat per person (clients are requested to bring their own sleeping bags). Our expedition staff sets up camps, prepares meals, and attends to all needs. Tented camps offer a close-to-nature experience and access to the most remote parts of the country.
- Elsen Tasarkhai: Known for its stunning sand dunes and picturesque landscapes, this area offers a unique blend of desert and steppe environments.
- Hustai National Park: Famous for being the home of the wild Przewalski's horses, the park also boasts beautiful natural scenery and opportunities to spot a variety of wildlife.
- Terelj National Park: Renowned for its dramatic rock formations, including the famous Turtle Rock, and its lush greenery, this park offers a scenic escape from urban life.
- Gobi Desert: Discover the vastness and striking beauty of the Gobi Desert, with its unique wildlife, dramatic sand dunes, and awe-inspiring landscapes.
- Khuvsgul Lake: Often referred to as the "Blue Pearl of Mongolia," Khuvsgul Lake is known for its pristine, crystal-clear waters and breathtaking surrounding scenery.
- Altai Mountains: This mountain range is home to diverse wildlife and offers breathtaking views of Mongolia's rugged, untamed beauty.
For travelers seeking more authentic and budget-friendly accommodation, staying with a nomadic family is an enriching experience. You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditional nomadic lifestyle, sharing in the customs, daily routines, and warm hospitality of Mongolian herders.
- Cultural Immersion: Engage in the daily activities of nomadic life, including herding livestock, milking animals, and preparing traditional Mongolian meals. This experience offers deep insights into their unique way of life, customs, and traditions, making for a truly immersive and memorable cultural exchange.
We use different types of vehicles depending on the nature of the tour, the destination, and the number of travelers. Our selection ensures comfort, safety, and suitability for the terrain.
All Visit Mongolia drivers have extensive experience and are well-acquainted with the Mongolian countryside, including areas without marked roads. They are also skilled mechanics, which is particularly important when traveling through remote regions. Regular technical inspections are performed on all vehicles to ensure their safety and reliability.
- Jeep Overland Adventure Tours: For these tours, we use reliable Japanese or Korean 4WD vans and SUVs, such as Mitsubishi, Toyota, and Nissan models. These vehicles are well-suited to Mongolia’s rugged terrain, providing a comfortable and safe ride.
- Group Tours within Ulaanbaatar: For larger groups touring Ulaanbaatar, we use modern buses or mini-buses. These vehicles are air-conditioned and equipped with comfortable seating to ensure a pleasant travel experience.
- Remote Areas: In some remote areas where flying is necessary, we arrange local transportation, typically using Russian 4WD jeeps or minivans. These vehicles are ideal for Mongolia's challenging landscapes, and the daily driving distance is typically around 200-250 km..
- Sightseeing in Ulaanbaatar: For city sightseeing, we offer deluxe coaches, vans, and sedans. These vehicles are selected for their comfort, ensuring an enjoyable tour of the city.
All Visit Mongolia drivers have extensive experience and are well-acquainted with the Mongolian countryside, including areas without marked roads. They are also skilled mechanics, which is particularly important when traveling through remote regions. Regular technical inspections are performed on all vehicles to ensure their safety and reliability.
Throughout your journey, you will be accompanied by a professional, English-speaking Mongolian guide, dedicated to making your trip both enjoyable and educational. Our guides are highly experienced and possess a deep understanding of Mongolia’s rich history, nomadic culture, and diverse natural landscapes. They are among the best in the industry, and many of our clients consistently praise their knowledge, helpfulness, and enthusiasm. Whether you are exploring historical sites, interacting with nomadic families, or trekking through Mongolia’s stunning landscapes, your guide will be there to provide insight and assistance at every step.
Why Our Guides Stand Out:
We are proud of the overwhelmingly positive feedback we receive from clients regarding our guides. After each tour, many travelers highlight the role their guide played in making their trip memorable. From their professionalism to their storytelling skills, our guides consistently earn high praise, contributing to a rewarding and meaningful Mongolian adventure.
Why Our Guides Stand Out:
- Cultural and Historical Expertise: Our guides are well-versed in Mongolian history, from the era of Genghis Khan to modern times. They offer detailed insights into Mongolia's nomadic civilization, including its customs, traditions, and lifestyle. Their stories and explanations help bridge the gap between visitors and the unique Mongolian culture, enriching your experience with meaningful context.
- Knowledge of Nature and Wildlife: Mongolia's vast wilderness is home to diverse ecosystems, and our guides have in-depth knowledge of the country’s flora, fauna, and geology. They are skilled in identifying the different plant and animal species you may encounter and can provide fascinating details about Mongolia's varied landscapes, from the Gobi Desert to the Altai Mountains.
- Local Folklore and Mythology: Our guides don’t just give you facts; they bring Mongolia’s rich oral tradition to life. Through engaging stories, legends, and myths passed down through generations, they help you connect with the spiritual and historical significance of the sites you visit. Whether it’s tales of ancient warriors or the beliefs tied to sacred mountains, their storytelling adds a deeper layer to your journey.
- Tailored Experiences: Every traveler has unique interests, and our guides excel at tailoring the tour to your preferences. Whether you want to learn more about local crafts, focus on wildlife, or dive deep into Mongolia’s history, they will adapt to ensure your experience is both personalized and unforgettable.
- Expert Navigation of Diverse Terrain: With a country as vast and varied as Mongolia, it's essential to have a guide who is skilled in navigating both urban and remote areas. Our guides are experienced in managing all types of terrain, from city streets to the most rugged, off-the-beaten-path locations. Their expertise ensures that your journey is safe, smooth, and comfortable, even in Mongolia’s most remote regions.
- Exceptional Client Care: Beyond their knowledge, our guides are known for their warm hospitality and personal attention. They are passionate about sharing their love for Mongolia with travelers and go above and beyond to ensure your comfort and enjoyment. Many of our past clients have praised their guides for being approachable, friendly, and always willing to assist with any needs or questions.
We are proud of the overwhelmingly positive feedback we receive from clients regarding our guides. After each tour, many travelers highlight the role their guide played in making their trip memorable. From their professionalism to their storytelling skills, our guides consistently earn high praise, contributing to a rewarding and meaningful Mongolian adventure.
Meals are included in the cost of your tour, and we strive to provide you with the best dining experiences available at each destination. Visit Mongolia carefully selects reputable local restaurants in cities and popular tourist areas, ensuring a variety of delicious and high-quality meals throughout your journey.
In Ulaanbaatar:
Ulaanbaatar offers a diverse range of dining options, with restaurants serving cuisines from around the world. You can enjoy international dishes from Indian, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, English, French, German, Russian, and Latin American restaurants, as well as traditional Mongolian cuisine. The staple foods in Mongolia include beef, mutton, noodles, and dairy products, but many restaurants cater to various dietary preferences.
Popular Restaurants in Ulaanbaatar:
Most ger camps serve Western-style meals, providing a familiar dining experience while you explore Mongolia's beautiful countryside. For excursions to remote areas, we arrange for professional chefs to accompany the group, ensuring fresh, nutritious, and satisfying meals even in the most remote locations. With advance notice, we can accommodate vegetarians and those with special dietary requirements.
Specialty Meals:
As part of your cultural experience, you will have the opportunity to try traditional Mongolian dishes, including:
In Ulaanbaatar:
Ulaanbaatar offers a diverse range of dining options, with restaurants serving cuisines from around the world. You can enjoy international dishes from Indian, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, English, French, German, Russian, and Latin American restaurants, as well as traditional Mongolian cuisine. The staple foods in Mongolia include beef, mutton, noodles, and dairy products, but many restaurants cater to various dietary preferences.
Popular Restaurants in Ulaanbaatar:
- Hazara: Famous for its authentic Indian cuisine, Hazara is a top choice for those seeking flavorful and well-prepared Indian dishes.
- Namaste: Specializing in Nepalese cuisine, Namaste offers a delightful selection of aromatic and hearty meals.
- Veranda: Known for its Mediterranean cuisine and stunning views of the city, Veranda offers a relaxing atmosphere with a varied menu.
- BD's Mongolian Barbeque: A unique, interactive dining experience where guests can create their own stir-fry, choosing from a wide range of ingredients.
Most ger camps serve Western-style meals, providing a familiar dining experience while you explore Mongolia's beautiful countryside. For excursions to remote areas, we arrange for professional chefs to accompany the group, ensuring fresh, nutritious, and satisfying meals even in the most remote locations. With advance notice, we can accommodate vegetarians and those with special dietary requirements.
Specialty Meals:
As part of your cultural experience, you will have the opportunity to try traditional Mongolian dishes, including:
- Khorkhog: Mongolian barbecue, made with mutton or goat, slow-cooked with hot stones for a unique flavor.
- Buuz: Steamed dumplings filled with minced meat, typically mutton or beef, and flavored with spices.
- Airag: Fermented mare’s milk, a traditional drink with a mildly tangy flavor.
Mongolia has a continental climate with extreme seasonal variations, known for its long, sunny days. With over 200 days of sunshine each year, it has rightfully earned the nickname "the Land of Blue Skies." The weather can vary significantly depending on the region and time of year, which adds to the diversity of experiences travelers can enjoy.
Tourist Season:
The primary tourist season in Mongolia runs from May to September, offering favorable weather conditions for outdoor activities and exploration. However, Mongolia’s climate is highly variable, so it's important to be prepared for different conditions depending on the region and time of your visit.
Weather Highlights:
Tourist Season:
The primary tourist season in Mongolia runs from May to September, offering favorable weather conditions for outdoor activities and exploration. However, Mongolia’s climate is highly variable, so it's important to be prepared for different conditions depending on the region and time of your visit.
Weather Highlights:
- July and August: These are the warmest months of the year, but they also bring the highest amount of rainfall. Even so, there are many sunny days, especially in central and northern Mongolia, where lush green landscapes come to life. These months are ideal for hiking, trekking, and experiencing Mongolia’s vibrant natural beauty.
- Gobi Desert: The Gobi is one of the hottest regions in Mongolia, with daytime temperatures reaching their peak in the summer months. Despite the heat, summer evenings can be cool due to the region’s high altitude. The best times to visit the Gobi Desert are June and September, when temperatures are more moderate, and the desert offers stunning views with fewer visitors.
- Spring: Springtime in Mongolia brings strong winds, particularly in the Gobi Desert, making the sandy areas more challenging to navigate. However, it’s a season of renewal, with blooming flowers and milder weather across many regions, offering a unique and beautiful experience.
- National Naadam Festival: One of the highlights of Mongolia's summer is the National Naadam Festival, held annually in mid-July. This cultural event attracts many travelers and features traditional sports such as wrestling, horse racing, and archery. It’s a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage.
- Winter Season: For travelers seeking an extreme weather adventure, Mongolia’s winter offers unique experiences. From November to February, temperatures can plunge to -30°C (-22°F) or lower. Despite the cold, winter offers exciting activities such as ice festivals, dog sledding, and winter horse riding, allowing you to experience the serene beauty of Mongolia's frozen landscapes.
- Shoulder Seasons (Spring and Autumn): Spring (May and early June) and autumn (September and October) are excellent times to visit Mongolia if you prefer milder weather and fewer tourists. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and gentle breezes, while autumn showcases the country’s golden landscapes and harvest festivals. The cooler temperatures and quiet atmosphere make these seasons perfect for a more relaxed and intimate exploration of the country.
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